SNP leadership hopeful Kate Forbes has again been forced to defend her association with the Free Church of Scotland in a media interview.
When speaking to Sky News about her bid to take over from departing Nicola Sturgeon she was asked why she chose to attend the more conservative teaching Church when she'd previously attended the more liberal leaning Church of Scotland.
"It's just down the road," she said "So it's the closest church. I've always been keen to support the church that was on my doorstep.
"As some of your viewers may know, there is a little bit of a Highland-Lowland divide in Scotland when it comes to churches. There's been a long history in the Highlands of Scotland, which is where I'm speaking to you from, of the Free Church."
When pressed as to whether they may be alternative motives, Forbes pushed back.
"I've not made any effort to hide my faith in the six years that I've been in front-line politics.
"Indeed, all my constituents know about my faith, and yet they have elected me on both occasions with an increased share of the vote as somebody they believe that will represent them faithfully and without prejudice.
"Over the last three years, I've been in perhaps one of the most important jobs in government, delivering budgets for all of Scotland's people. So, my approach would be to say, look at my track record, look at how I have approached serving all of Scotland, and make your minds up about how I will continue to do that, because I would certainly be focused on delivering for all of Scotland."
Forbes is up against Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan in the leadership contest.
SNP members are being asked to decide who should lead their party. A winner is expected to be declared on March 27th.
Kate Forbes is currently the Finance Minister in the Scottish Government, a role widely viewed as the second most senior in the cabinet.
She's spoken often about her Christian faith and how she leans on it.
Some sections of the media have questioned whether someone with a faith like hers is fit for office.
